Seasonal Variation of Rainfall in Indonesia under Normal Conditions without ENSO and IOD Events from 1981-2021

Abstract

This study explores the seasonal rainfall variation in Indonesia under normal conditions, excluding the influence of El-Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) events. Monthly rainfall data is sourced from the CHIRPS dataset, and wind and atmospheric movement data are obtained from the ECMWF ERA-5 dataset. Identification of normal conditions relies on the ONI and DMI indices. Results reveal that the seasonal rainfall patterns during these normal conditions align with previous studies encompassing all atmospheric conditions. Indonesia typically witnesses one or two peaks in rainfall annually, notably in December-January-February (DJF), May-June (MJ), and March-April-May (MAM), consistent with established rainfall zone classifications in earlier research. A nuanced discrepancy emerges in the timing of the May-June peak, previously noted in June-July. The congruence in peak rainfall patterns during normal conditions, as observed in prior comprehensive research, implies a negligible influence of ENSO and IOD on the timing of seasonal rainfall peaks. Although ENSO and IOD may impact the amplitude of seasonal variation, particularly in Indonesia's eastern and western regions, they do not alter the temporal occurrence of rainfall peaks. Consequently, the timing of rainfall peaks in Indonesia predominantly reflects the combined influence of the Asian and Australian monsoons.